Key findings and skills response recommendations

6

Workforce development

Establish a Workforce Development Strategy for Australia’s Modern Manufacturing sector that has apprenticeships as the bedrock of entry-level training and prioritises the reskilling of existing workers which will provide the framework needed for advancing the sector.

Skills response recommendation

To advance the manufacturing sector, a Workforce Development Strategy should include:

  • Prioritising the reskilling and upgrading of skills of existing workers
    • Enable existing workers to maintain and upgrade their skills and knowledge as new technologies and work practices are adopted by manufacturers
    • Prioritising digital and soft skills for all members of the manufacturing workforce alongside the trade and technical skills covered in manufacturing qualifications
  • Addressing the decline in apprenticeship intake and participation
  • Supporting a nationally consistent extension of apprenticeships to Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications
  • Initiatives to support training for existing workers in application of technology